Gangboard cleat



Aug. 9, i927. 1,638,477l

G, L. DYER GANG BOARD CLEAT filed April 7' 1926 3mm/HIM iwf@ M Patented Aug. 9, 1927.

UNITED STATES GROVER LEE DYER, OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

GANGBOARD CLEAT.

Application filed. April 7,

This invention relates to improvements in cleats, more specifically to cleats to be used in connection with gang planks.

The object of this invention is to provide a safety device for use in connection with the loading or unloading of freight cars or loading platforms where gang planks or gang ways are used. In connection with such use there is great danger of the gang plank slipping and seriously injuring the user. To guard against such a contingency, the applicant has devised the herein described invention.

The novelty of the cleat lies chiefly in anti-skid means whereby it is practically impossible for the gang plank to slip when the device is used.

Further novelty lies in the simplicity of construction and ease in which the cleat may be removed when not in use.

Still further novelty lies in the concave faces of the side flanges which enables the prongs to always come in contact with the surface to be engaged.

Further novelty will be shown in the description and drawings hereinafter set forth.

In the drawings,

Figure l is a side elevation of the cleat and gang plankin position as used in conifilection with a loading platform and car oor. Y

Figure 2 is a perspective showing the un-V der side of cleat.

Figure 3 is a perspective of the side and top of cleat.

As shown in Figure 3, the invention comprises a flat body l, an orifice 2 therein, with concaved side flanges 3, prongs 4 and 5 projecting therefrom.

In Figure 2 is a brace 6 connecting the two side flanges 3, and acting as a reinforceA ment to orifice 2.

In Figure l is shown the cleat l as used,

1926. serian No. 100,416.

its front and rear prongs 5 and 4, respectively, embedded in the car floor 9 with a spike 8 driven through the orifico 2, the gang plank 10 resting against forward prong 5 and held in place by lip 6, the other end of gang plank 10 resting on loading platform 11.

In actual use the cleatV l is placed upon either the loading platform or car floor depending upon which is lower, anda spike is driven through the orifice 2. Because of the concave surfaces of the side flanges 3, the prongs 4 and 5 are always able to obtain a firm grip regardless of how uneven the surface. The gang plank is then slipped under the lip 6 and rests firmly against the front lugs 5 which are braced by side flanges 3, which are in turn braced by the sup` port 7.

What I claim is l. In a gang plank cleat, a flat body, spaced flanges on one face of the body and extending from points spaced from one edge of the body, prongs at a rearwardly and forwardly extending angle to the flat body, the prongs extending downwardy from said flanges, theprongs forming gripping means, the ends of said flanges constituting abutments in conjunction with the adjacent part of the body.

2. In a gang plank cleat, a flat body containing an orifice, spaced concave flanges on one face of the body extending from points spaced from one edge of the body, prongs extending downwardly from the flanges, a brace having an orifice connecting the spaced flanges, said brace so positioned as to have its orifice coincide with the orifice in the body, the ends of said flanges constituting abutments in conjunction with the adjacent part of the body.

In testimony whereof I aliix my signature.v

GRovER LEE DYER. 

